Since its founding over one hundred years ago, Chevrolet has captured the heart of the American spirit in every car they build. Never content to stick to the status quo, Chevy has expanded into the electric vehicle market in a big way. When the Bolt EV premiered in 2017, it was the first affordable mass-market all-electric vehicle with a range of over 200 miles. With a revamp in 2020, the Bolt EV gained over 20 more miles on a full charge and faster charging times. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV has all the benefits of its predecessors and is here to help you drive in the future, gas-free.
Building Your Bolt
The 2021 Bolt EV has an MSRP of $36,500 for the LT trim. There are five standard exterior colors and three available for an extra charge. The LT comes standard with remote keyless entry and starting, as well as with a 10.2” diagonal color touchscreen for the Chevrolet Infotainment system. The infotainment system allows you to connect your compatible smartphone via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for music streaming, maps, and hands-free calling. With the LT trim, you can add the Comfort and Convenience Package, which includes a hands-free power programmable liftgate, heated driver and front passenger seats, an automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
The Premier trim has an MSRP of $41,700. Besides all of the bells and whistles in the LT, standard perks include one more standard paint color option and HD Surround Vision so you can get a digital overhead image of the area around your vehicle, not just what the rear backup camera can see. There’s also a rear camera mirror so you can have a wider and less obstructed view behind you. Heated front and rear outboard seats are also standard. With the Premier trim, you can add the Infotainment Package with a Bose premium seven-speaker system with subwoofer, wireless device charging, and two USB charging ports for the back seats.
The external differences between the trims are minimal. The Premier has turn signal indicators integrated into the heated power outside mirrors, and a chrome strip on the door handles. The Premier Bolt EVs also have roof-mounted side rails standard to attach additional cargo solutions or to carry snowboards, bicycles, or even a kayak. No matter which Bolt EV you choose, the second row of seats can fold flat, allowing for 56.6 cubic feet of max cargo space. There’s also an available false cargo floor––standard on the Premier––allowing you to keep packages out of sight.
Five-Star Safety
The Bolt EV has a five-star overall vehicle safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning the highest possible marks for rollovers and side crashes. Ten airbags are standard, as is Chevy’s patented StabiliTrak, an improved version of traction control for more stability on slick surfaces. LED daytime running lights and the LATCH system to easily secure children’s car seats are also standard on all Bolt EVs, as is Chevy’s Teen Driver system, so you can use customizable settings to encourage good driving habits and get an in-vehicle report card on your young driver. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV comes with Michelin’s Energy Saver all-season tires with Selfseal technology, so if you get a small puncture, you have more time to get to a garage and get it repaired before running out of air.
You can add the Driver Confidence package to the LT trim, which includes rear park assist, a rear cross traffic alert, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. These features are standard on the Premier Bolt EVs. The Driver Confidence II package is available on both trims and includes automatic emergency and front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beam headlamps.
Power and Performance
The 2021 Bolt EV has an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. This motor creates 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. 200 horsepower is more than most compacts and many sedans on the market. That power is more easily accessed in an electric motor like that in the Bolt because instead of waiting for a gas engine to get up to speed, the electric motor is ready to go as soon as you turn it on. This means that it takes only 6.5 seconds for the Bolt to get up to 60 mph. The electric motor is also nearly silent, allowing you to better hear the music and conversations with your passengers.
While the Chevy Bolt has plenty of zippy power for all your highway and city commuting needs, you can also add hitch carriers to either trim for your bikes, skis, and snowboards and head out of town for some outdoor adventures. While the Bolt comes in at under 14 feet, making it easy to park and to navigate crowded parking lots, it also has just under 40 inches of headroom, so it doesn’t feel like the subcompact it is, even if you’re a driver on the taller side.
The battery on the 2021 Bolt EV is located under the seats instead of in the trunk, like in other electric vehicles. This means that the Bolt sits higher than other EVs, making it more comparable to the height of a crossover versus a compact car. In addition, the lower battery creates a lower center of gravity. Having a lower center of gravity means that the Chevy Bolt feels more stable and is less likely to roll over.
An interesting way to take advantage of that stability is with the Bolt EV’s optional one-pedal driving. When the Bolt EV is in Low mode, releasing the gas pedal doesn’t just stop acceleration; it actively increases deceleration. There’s also Regen On Demand, a paddle beside the steering wheel that takes the energy from a decelerating vehicle and efficiently redirects it back into the battery. By learning how to regenerate energy more efficiently while braking, you can extend the life of your charge.
The EPA estimates you can drive the 2021 Bolt EV 259 miles on a full charge. There are three charging options when it comes to Bolt. With the standard 120-volt connection, you can get a charge of approximately four miles per hour of charging from any regular three-pronged outlet. With a 240-volt connection, you can get about 25 miles per hour, with a full charge ready in approximately ten hours. An available 240-volt/32-amp home wall charger can be easily installed by one of Chevrolet’s professional partners, so you can charge your Bolt easily overnight. The wall charger is waterproof, so it can be installed in or outside, and with the 25-foot charging cord, it’s very convenient for any garage or driveway.
With DC fast charging, available at public stations, in just about half an hour you can get a charge of up to 100 miles. You can easily find where these public charging stations are located thanks to the myChevrolet Mobile App with Energy Assist. The app can also help you plan the most efficient route based on driving conditions and the weather to take the most advantage of your battery life.
By having a fully electric battery, it’s estimated you can save over $1,000 a year in fuel costs. In addition, you don’t have to deal with traditional maintenance like oil changes and engine belts that wear out. Check with your dealership to get your state’s information on tax incentives for buying an electric vehicle and utility incentives for installing a home charger. In addition, some states even let you use HOV lanes when you have a fully electric vehicle.
Bolt to Your Local Chevy Dealer
In a sea of competitors, the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV literally stands above the rest with its “tall hatchback” design––all the benefits of a compact with all the comfort of a sedan. The large infotainment touchscreen and fully electric engine make you feel like you’re driving into the future. With the available 240-volt home charger and the myChevrolet app to help you find public charging stations, on top of the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, you never have to worry about your Bolt leaving you powerless on the side of the road. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV comes with the history and experience of the Chevrolet brand, so you can feel better about your fossil fuel consumption without giving up any of the fun of driving.
